On 20 November 2024, the DCC notified proposed changes to the Dunedin District Plan (2GP) which include additional measures to protect and preserve the city’s heritage buildings, biodiversity values and live music scene.
Plan Change 1 to the 2GP was open for formal submissions late last year, attracting 282 public submissions containing around 750 different submission points or requests.
Staff are required to publish a summary of these submissions, and people with an interest greater than the public at large can make a further submission to support or oppose any of the changes sought through other submissions.
The further submission period will open on Wednesday, 19 February and close at 11.59pm on Tuesday, 4 March. No new changes (original submissions) may be sought during this time.
The summary of submissions document and copies of all original submissions can be found online at www.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp-plan-change-1.
The proposed changes in Plan Change 1 include:
- adding 146 more heritage buildings to the 2GP heritage schedule, providing protection against demolition and inappropriate development
- protecting an additional 24,000 hectares of public land with significant biodiversity values, as well as 12 more significant trees
- revising acoustic insulation requirements for new dwellings in the inner city are aimed at reducing the risk of complaints about live music noise levels
- making it easier to establish new types of healthcare activities in the city, including healthcare hubs, traditional Rongoā Māori and small inpatient facilities outside a hospital setting.
Other proposed amendments are designed to make existing rules more flexible, and easier to interpret and apply.
Of the 282 original submissions received, about 130 related to heritage, while other high-interest areas included watercourse mapped areas, acoustic insulation and scheduled trees.
“The further submissions process primarily allows those who may be affected by a change sought through an original submission to respond,” says DCC City Development Manager, Dr Anna Johnson.
Further submissions must reference the original submission point they are responding to. The easiest way to make a further submission is to use the online form, which will be available from Wednesday, 19 February at www.dunedin.govt.nz/2gp-plan-change-1.
Hearings are expected to be held mid-year for those submitters who wish to be heard. The Hearings Panel will write to submitters outlining next steps.